SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY NATHAN PACE Owners John McDermott and Suzanne Sherman showcased in their newly decorated store. They carry a variety of furniture, pictures and art decor that’s sure to catch the eyes of all shoppers.

By B. Scott MohrEditor

When it comes to longevity, the people at Martin Fine Furniture know all about staying power. Operating the oldest furniture company in Indiana, the owners understand that staying in business requires a combination of quality merchandise, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service, along with the ability to move with the times.

“That is why we decided to renovate the store,” said Suzanne Sherman, fourth-generation co-owner with her brother, John McDermott. “It’s a new era for the store, and we’ve decided to update to appeal to a whole new generation of customers. We have brightened up the place, and you will see a lot more contemporary furniture than in the past. We now carry more furniture that appeals to younger people.”

“We have furnished many offices on the campus, and a lot of professors buy their furniture from us,” she said.Martin Furniture traces its roots back to 1854, when it was founded by Sherman and McDermott’s great-grandfather, Michael Clune, who manufactured mattresses in Chicago. Clune was forced to move his business to Indianapolis after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It was here that he began to manufacture furniture.

Yet most customers associate the business with their father, longtime owner Marty McDermott, who moved the business from Arizona Street in Downtown to its current location at 5240 S. U.S. 31 (787-8659).

After his death in 2012 the reign passed to his two younger children, who keep the family’s legacy alive. Sherman said it is unknown if any of the fifth-generation children will take over the business. “That’s up in the air. They are at an age where they are looking into a lot of careers.

“We buy a lot of American-made furniture, and we carry all of the major brands. Our prices are competitive, and we have a wonderful service department.​“Our knowledge of the furniture that we sell sets us high above the competition. We can help you purchase your new furniture and mattress at any budget.”

SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY B. SCOTT MOHR Brandon Pinna relaxes in one of his comfortable recliners, a much needed rest after giving the hand of his daughter, Vanessa, in marriage over the weekend.

By B. Scott MohrEditor

Brandon Pinna knows how powerful straight-line winds can be. They lifted a large section of roof – approximately 100 by 40 feet – off his furniture store in the 2700 block of Madison Avenue and slammed it down between the shop and the building that houses Pinna Monuments.

Both stores were damaged during the storm in July 2015, but it was JBP Furnishings & Mattress that took the brunt of Mother Nature’s wrath, so much so that the city condemned the front part of the building and has a demolition order on it.

“It was crazy when the wind blew,” Pinna said. “People in the store were entering the basement when the winds came so no one was hurt.”

The search was on for a new site, but the first move didn’t work out due to issues with his insurance company. That’s when he relocated to 8251 S. U.S. 31 (786-9010). The down time and moving expenses were costly. “It takes a while to set up a new store,” Pinna said.

The insurance company is determining the fate of the building on Madison, which has been home to several furniture stores over the decades.

“It has always been our dream to operate two furniture stores,” he said. “We own the building on Madison and are determined to reopen the store.”

Pinna owns both businesses with his brother, Jim. Their father and grandfather were in the furniture business. “Pinna Monuments is proud to be open and operating on the Southside,” Jim said. “We are saddened that the devastated appearance of our furniture store dampens the Madison Avenue corridor; we are fearful that some customers might think that we are closed as well. That’s not the case as we continue to welcome and service our ‘families.’ We look forward to welcoming back my brother’s furniture store in the near future.”

Brandon said the U.S. 31 location provides for a fantastic store as he has 21,500 square feet to showcase his merchandise. “I love the layout of this store. We have done a ton of work to get it to this point.”

Boasting a spacious and warm atmosphere, the store features a complete line of new furniture for the entire house, furnishings purchased from estates and individuals and handcrafted items. “The older furniture is really of good quality. I never know what I will run across when buying estate furniture. We offer high-quality furniture and mattresses without the high-priced tags.”

He and his wife of 32 years, Nancy, are assisted in the endeavor by a competent staff and two of their children: Brett, a freshman at the University of Indianapolis, helps with deliveries, and Jacklyn, a senior at Indiana University, helps with marketing. His other daughters, Vanessa and Victoria, live and work in Chicago.​Brandon welcomes everyone to check out his new store, which is open 10 a.m.-7 weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. “Work with us for the best deals,” he said.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Nancy and Brandon Pinna with their daughter, Vanessa, who wed Saturday.